Best Arts and Culture Places in Wood Dale

"Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most popular attractions and is certainly not your average pier. Stretching over 3,000-feet into Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is packed full of entertainment, offering 50-acres of shops, restaurants, parks, and attractions. Enjoy a ride on the Centennial Wheel that stands prominently in the middle of Pier Park, and there’s often live music, art exhibitions, and firework displays throughout the summer."

"Navy Pier is a Chicago landmark and the perfect place to spend a day with a family—no matter what you're looking to do. Be sure to check out the "today's events" section of the Navy Pier website for a complete listing of the many unique current and upcoming events at the Pier. Kids will enjoy: Riding the 1920s style carousel at Navy Pier Park or a visit to the Chicago Children's Museum."

"You have two choices here: you can either take a selfie from afar, with Navy Pier and its massive Ferris wheel in the background, or you can buy a ticket and take the ride, snapping a selfie from 150 feet up in the air."

"When this museum opened in its new aluminum-lined facility in 1996, it became the country's largest museum of contemporary art. Featured works go far beyond two dimensions and include such diverse media as sculpture, photography, dance, performance and music. Three large exhibition floors showcase more than 7000 objects, including pieces by Sol LeWitt, Alexander Calder, Jeff Koons and Rene Magritte."

"The Museum of Contemporary Art is located at 220 East Chicago Avenue in Streeterville neighborhood of Near North Side area of Downtown Chicago in Cook County, Illinois. It was established in 1967 as the world’s largest contemporary art museum featuring items from Post-World War II visual art collection. It is a run gallery-style exhibition showcasing individual curations throughout the year."

"Working since 1963 in the city's West Loop neighborhood of Chicago, Richard Gray is dedicated to fostering the development of historically important artist careers and to building outstanding art collections. Devoted to both contemporary and modern arts, the gallery represented a number of celebrated artists, including Magdalena Abakanowicz, Bethany Collins, Jim Dine, Jean Dubuffet, David Hockney, Alex Katz, Joan Miró, Pablo Picasso, Jaume Plensa and Evelyn Statsinger. Featured image: Richard Gray Gallery, the view of Richard Gray Gallery Every Square Needs a Circle by Theaster Gates, via Richard Gray Gallery."

"On the edge of Lake Michigan, is the Richard Gray Gallery – and this is my next pick for top art galleries in Chicago. Showcasing the biggest names in this century art, and one of the most diverse galleries, Aboriginal Australian and African artists, Established in 1963, the Richard Gray Gallery became one of the most famous and popular galleries in Chicago, The gallery’s founder Richard Gray, passed away in 2018. Image sourced from https://www.richardgraygallery.com/"

"Richard Gary Gallery was established back in 1963 and was named after its late founder, local art dealer Richard Gray, who is best known for his role in helping the Field Museum secure Sue the T."

"Art aficionados will want to pop into LIK Fine Art Chicago, which displays incredible pieces from famed photographer Peter Lik. Not only are his images of dreamy destinations around the world beautifully captured, but thanks to an innovative printing process the appearance of his works change depending on how bright the lights are in the room."

"The Arts Club of Chicago is an art museum with public exhibitions and private tours. The club's first floors are open to the public at no admission cost; private tours of the permanent collection can be arranged. The Arts Club, which opened in 1916, was home to the first United States showing of Pablo Picasso's work."

"Visitors to this hidden gem will enjoy oak savanna, a forest, wetland and prairie all in one area. There are three trails from which to choose and explore: main loop, wetland and woodland and while you can take as long as you'd like, it's possible to do them all within an hour if you're in a hurry (although hopefully you're not because you want to stop at the lily pond, gaze at the free roaming deer and catch a turtle or finches as you take in the fresh air and scenery). Early Spring, locals from all over the city come by for the annual Maple Tree Tapping Festival where kids can enjoy free activities and see demonstrations on the Maple syrup process."

"North ParkYou could do worse than strolling through this 46-acre nature preserve with trails that wind through woodland, wetland, prairie, and savannah. You could also do worse than just chilling at the birding area and spotting rare specimens with your well-practiced/made-up bird calls."

"Exit Millennium Park via the BP Bridge, a 925-foot-long winding bridge that provides incomparable views of the Chicago skyline, Grant Park and Lake Michigan. On the other side of the bridge sits Maggie Daley Park, a spectacular green space with massive rock climbing walls, mini golf, picnic groves, and an amazing play garden for children."

"The Riverwalk is exactly what it sounds like: a pedestrian trail that stretches alongside the Chicago River. It’s 1.25 miles, so it doesn’t require a punishing amount of exercise, but it’s long enough to offer a wide range of events and activities for visitors of all types. Are you feeling peckish?"

"Potter Palmer, Marshall Field, Daniel Burnham, David Adler and Bruce Graham are just a handful of the notable burials at Graceland Cemetery in the Uptown neighborhood. While cemeteries may creep some people out, this one is notable for being a lush, tranquil place for Chicagoans to relax and enjoy the silence. The 2,000 trees and 50 species here are certified by the Morton Arboretum and carefully maintained."

"Although cemeteries can be eerie to some, this spot is anything but scary. Bring a blanket, your favorite book and pop a squat under one of the many honey locust trees for a relaxing day in the shade."

"Near Irving Park Road, this graveyard has crypts that are almost as strikingly designed as the city skyline. A number of Chicago's most…"

"It takes a lot of almond flour, powdered sugar, and finesse to create a macaron with no imperfections. Vanille Patisserie is classical in its flavors and technique making it feel like stepping back into France with each bite. Vanille Patisserie is located near many Chicago Cheap Eats mentioned above such as Del Seoul, Molly’s Cupcakes, and Lito’s Empanadas."

"The macarons on offer at Vanille Patisserie give out an explosion of flavor when bitten into. Strawberry lemongrass in a popular summer flavor at these venues found across Chicago, including S Harper Ct. and N. Clinton St. at the Chicago French Market, however, there’s a whole variety of flavors available."

"With all the pretty pastel colors and exotic flavors—strawberry lemongrass, anyone?. —choosing a macaron from Vanille isn’t easy. Save yourself the stress and go for a box of 6, 12, or 24."

"Restaurants Coffee shops Lake View. Take a walk on the wild side at this no-frills shop that bakes inventive pastries that rotate daily (red mole croissants, lavender space pies and pimento cheese biscuits are some of our all-time favorites) alongside a curated collection of coffee drinks like Kyoto cold brew, cappuccino, espresso and more."